Deacon Ismael G. Casanova’s tenure as a deacon of the Archdiocese of San Antonio was recognized recently by Texas State Senate Resolution No. 663 from State Senator José Menéndez.
A San Antonio native, Casanova grew up in the Catholic faith; he graduated from Harlandale High School in 1960 and worked at an Air Force Base for three years before joining the United States Army in 1967. After serving a tour of duty in Vietnam, he received his Honorable Discharge. The following year, he married Sylvia Ann Velazquez, and the couple raised two sons, Ismael and Leonel, and shared 30 years of marriage until her death in 1998.
Casanova earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University in 1977 and went on to enjoy a career with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, first at its regional office in Dallas and then at the office in San Antonio.
Following his return to the Alamo city, Casanova became actively involved in leading the Youth Ministry program at San Fernando Cathedral, and in 1993, he felt a calling to serve the church in a more formal capacity. That year, he entered the diaconate program, and he was ordained as a deacon on Aug. 29, 1997.
Over the years, Deacon Casanova served at San Fernando Cathedral as well as at St. Mary Magdalen Church. His duties included visiting the sick, teaching, counseling, and volunteering his time on a number of parish committees and councils.
He retired from the diaconate June 28, 2016.
“Ismael Casanova has set an inspiring example of faith in action, and countless residents of the San Antonio community have benefited from his wisdom and able leadership,” stated the resolution from Senator Menéndez.